Convention 2004, 100 yrs of AGD: Info Thread
 

I know its still a little early, but i figured since the topic of convention has come up quite often lately, that there should be a thread.
So this thread is pretty much for any information anyone may have about convention such as cost, if they are planning to go etc. :)

Ooh Tonya...I'm excited already!

I don't know for sure how much it'll cost, but I know that it'll be a lot more than what Atlanta 2001 cost! After the Atlanta convention, I made it a point to set aside $10 from each paycheck I receive. It gets tucked away in my Savings Acct. and hopefully I'll have enough for Chicago 2004. I don't care what it takes...I WILL BE THERE. :D AND YOU ALL WILL BE THERE TOO!

I'm pretty sure that each chapter will hold their own reunions during this Convention time...so that's why I encourage each and everyone of you to attend! If I'm not mistaken, Centennial 2004 will take place July 17-21, 2004 at the Chicago Marriott.

There was a Centennial Convention Questionnaire passed out in Atlanta, and they were looking for sisters willing to help out in the following areas:

• Organization
• Writing
• Illustration
• Musician/Song Writing (I think they're having a contest too)
• Multi-Media Experience
• Lighting
• Skit Writing
• Display
• Costume Design/Construction
• Set Design/Construction
• Correspondence
• Research

Anyone interested can write to Benita Dick at benita@airmail.net or Ruth Henritze at rbhenritze@aol.com . Spread the word! I'm sure they'll appreciate the help!

I'm also excited about the "Coffee Table" book that IHQ is creating especially for the Centennial. If you or any of your sisters have things for the book or the archives, contact IHQ!

As MaiLy mentioned in another post, we're going to put our Fundraising gears into overdrive for this Convention! Mai, if you need help, I'm your gal!

Oh, and BTW folx, the first ever Alpha Gamma Delta GreekChat Convention will be held at this time. So, I expect all of you to be there! ;)

yay Chicago!!
 

Though I don't have any specific info, just wanted to let ya'll know that ...

I'LL DEFINITELY BE THERE!! HOPE EVERYONE ELSE WILL BE TOO!!

LiEP,
Jen

Sandy, how much did Atlanta cost (just so I can get a ballpark figure of what Centennial might cost).

I really want to go as well! :)

I am so excited for Convention in 2004! There are about 4 or 5 of us from Zeta Theta chapter planning on attending together, so it's going to be a great time! :D It will be fun to meet you all in person, too. :)

I'm going! And I don't care what it costs! :D

The only thing that concerns me...and you all can tease me to death about this because I know you'll want to...:p

is that I want to make sure that Sean and I have either already HAD the first bambino by then...OR that Convention falls early enough in the pregnancy so that I can still travel.

ROFL thinking about this. I'm probably one of the few people you will ever meet who does her family planning by Convention dates! :D :D

Maria honey, you're not the only one. Adyn, Delta Sigma's president 2 presidents ago...also does her planning by Convention dates. She had Braeden 2 years ago, one more is on the way...and who knows if she'll spit one more out before July 2004?

Leslie, Convention 2001 cost a total of $630, and that included the room, lunch and dinner (we didn't have time to eat breakfast anyway), and Convention materials. Then you have to take into consideration your transportation...but it shouldn't be a big problem for you gals that can DRIVE to Chicago (NOT FAIR!).

Okay ladies-- as far as transporation--Southwest Airlines flies into Chicagoo--it is super cheap!!! I am going there next month for shopping--- I got my tickets $59 each way (from Kansas City)-- so if you live in a Southwest Airline city--you are in luck!!!!

I cannot wait--I plan on going--and Chicago is my most favorite place to visit--it is a perfect combo--AGD and Chicago!!!!

*doesnt laugh at Maria,...just stares at her* Freak! Just kidding :D.

Ok so if I start putting aside $25 a paycheck (get paid every 2 weeks) and save up until April 2004, thats $1200 and should be more than enough for Convention. I'M THERE!

And I will either drive the 12 hours it takes to get there or Amtrak it. I don't do the flying thing. Not even before (may they all rest in peace) 9-11.

:D EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKK :D

(that's a little shreek of joy!)

I'm so happy to see sisters as excited about Convention as I am! I just LOVE talking about it!

After attending the Tarpon Springs convention, I promised myself that I would attend every convention from then on.... but then I went and started a new job the next convention year, and they wouldn't give me the time off... boo :( ....So then I swore I would never miss another convention because I was just heart broken that I missed it... but then I went and started yet ANOTHER new job the April before convention and THEY wouldn't give me the time off to attend... I was beyond heart broken for that miss....:(

So let me just tell you all now that there is NOTHING... and I mean NOTHING... that will keep me from attending this convention... and if that means Sandy carrying my urn in her carry on... so be it! (kidding of course, Sandy... you can put me in your check in baggage ;) )

Loyally,
Mai

Since I live in Chicago I'm delighted that the Centennial convention will be here!

I still plan to make a quilt -- or to coordinate a group quilt, with blocks contributed by other Alpha Gams -- using the 1904 Star block. That name has nothing to do with AGD but for obvious reasons it has a certain appeal. If any one of you is a quilter, let me know!

[In the 70's needlepoint was all the rage. Chapters and clubs were asked to make 6" needlepoint squares that were assembled into a wallhanging that's at IHQ.]

Thanks Sandy, I was expecting it to be more...not that $600+ isn't a large chunk of change. I can't wait!

Can someone refresh my memory on why they chose Chicago?

hmmmmmmmmm...maybe they chose chicago cause it would be weird to have it at an alpha chapter that doesn't exist anymore?


marissa

Chicago
 

They pick the Convention place for a variety of reasons. Somewhere that is more accessible to the members of the organization, a city that has arrangements to hold a large amount of women, cost, availability of conference rooms, etc....

Not quite.

Even if Alpha Chapter were still open, it'd be very difficult to hold Convention in Syracuse considering Syracuse doesn't have a major airport. It'd be difficult and costly for the sisters to get themselves there. As far as accomodations go, Conventions are usually held in big cities where lodging isn't a problem. I'm not really familiar with Syracuse, but I'm guessing that they probably didn't have a place big enough to handle all of us! The Atlanta Marriott Marquis was a *BEAUTIFUL* hotel....so I can only imagine how the Chicago Marriott will be! Click here for general information on the Chicago Marriott Downtown.

Let's keep on crossing our fingers that they'll get Alpha Chapter recolonized for 2004!

I'd budget more money than $630 because the 2004 Convention is longer in duration and I know they'll be spending more $$$ for favors, events, etc. I'm budgeting around $1200 plus airfare.

Then I'm suprised that they didn't do it near IHQ. That would be pretty cool...although I don't know how the accomodations are near there.

What a great convention present it would be to recolonize Alpha Chapter in 2004 for centennial! It would probably also be really great for their recruitment. :)

I may be mistaken, but...

I can't remember who said it, but in a previous discussion about Convention 2004, someone had mentioned that IHQ was to go through renovation sometime soon?

The accomendations around IHQ are BLAH...it really would not work.
They have been talking about renovations for years...I do not think the Fraternity does not have the money to do anything big.

The Chicago Marriot is pretty nice, I've had to stay there before for democratic and Model UN events!!! The best part of Chicago, of course is the Magnificent Mile, so you gotta save up $ for shopping too!! I will certianly be there, I wouldn't miss it for the world. We can all finally meet each other if we haven't met by then!!!

Ok I can only speak a little about the whole "why isn't it in Syracuse" thing. Cuz I live 2 hours away (it would have been soooo convient though)

1) As Sandy stated, Syracuse doesnt have a major airport.The two closest are the Rochester International Airport (2 hours away) and the Buffalo Aiport (3 hours way). It'd be a hassle for those who come from Hawai'i ( ;) ), California etc. And especially for those who can't get direct flights in. No one wants to drive 2-3 more hours after a flight.

2) Another reason might be for the fact that it has been known that they city of Syracuse and the University DO NOT have the best of relationships. And even though there would be plenty of older (more mature) ladies, i dont think the idea of oh say 2,000+ (I dont know what convention numbers are, but what you'd except for a centenial) sorority women is too appealing to them.

3) I like the city of Syrcause. However it isnt the most attractive of cities, and doesnt have that much of a tourism appeal to it.

** Syracuse has plenty of hotel accommedations though. Conventions are held in the city often and the city fields stuff such as the regionals for the Final Four tourny. So hotels wouldnt be a prob. Also I believe the Syracuse Civic or Convention center is pretty big so a place to hold it wouldnt be a problem either. I dont think Alpha closing is a reason either cuz to me IHQ would be planning or at least thinking about 2004 wayy before they thought about closing it. but to me the closing would be even more reasont o have it there. Hopefully Alpha WILL be recolonized by '04.

Convention
 

Hey ladies, since Convention is just around the corner, I thought we could all chat here about it! I have never been to a convention before, but I want to go next year. I know it is in Chicago, does anyone have any other details- like cost and dates?
Thanks!

count me in!!
 

I can't wait to go ~ it will be my first convention!! Thank goodness I'll be decently close to Chicago (Ottawa), so transportation costs won't be too much hopefully.

Too bad I couldn't pay for it now ... our Canadian dollar is at a six year high these days ~ it's worth about $.735 US or so, much more than the $.66 or $.67 it was just eight months ago!

and so the countdown to Chicago & CONVENTION 2004 begins ...

liEP,
~ Jen

Sarah, I hope you don't mind...but I merged your thread with the one we had which also had some of the info about next year's Centennial.

I made up my mind in 2001 that I was going to the Centennial. I'm sure that the specifics will be sent out soon. The Chicago Marriott is right along the Magnificent Mile (I think), so bring your shopping money!!!

To quote the infamous hawaiiagd: "I don't care what it'll take for me to get there. Even if they have to take me in an URN, there's nothing that's stopping me from going to Chicago!"

Convention is July 17-21. That's a Saturday through Wednesday. You would arrive sometime early Saturday and then depart for home anytime Wednesday. Don't forget to pack a dress for Initiation (don't forget that your dress needs to be tea length or floor length). And you'll need your most glamourous dress for Feast of Roses. Feast of Roses has always been the closing night's big banquet and everyone dresses up to the nines! Initiation is usually the second or third night and it'll be a long night with Initiation and the awarding of the Honors of Espilon Pi! The first night is the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation Fun Night. Now since this is a Convention year they may move some of these events around from their traditionallly held nights. And of course during the day for all the workshops, general sessions, and meetings it's business attire.

I haven't seen a schedule yet for Convention or any of the Centennial Events during Convention. I think they're all still being formalized!

Atlanta 2001 was beautiful and I had so much fun. I can't wait to hear about the fun things they'll have planned for Chicago!

I expect to get there early and leave late. I need at least a few days for shopping and exploring the Windy City's nightlife!

Sandy---
Chicago has the best shopping--Michigan Ave---
and great nightlife. You will have a blast!!!
-w.

Okay, I WILL get myself to Centennial, I don[t care what it costs!

Anyone want to go in on a room together? That way we can keep costs down SOMEWHAT...Katey? Leslie? Let's start planning NOW!

it sounds like some kind of bad joke...How many AGD's can fit in one hotel room?:p This can't end well...

I loved Michigan Ave when I went to Chi-Town. Its great for shopaholics like me. I suggest bringing about $500 for that alone ;)

For those of you who have never been to Convention, the Fraternity has a registration form. That's where you select which or all events you will be attending as well as your hotel reservation and if you'll be rooming with anyone. You could try to get a room on your own and pack 'em in, but the Marriott may already be booked. The Fraternity ususally gets a good rate due to the number of rooms that are reserved. I guess you could stay elsewhere, but it's so much more fun to stay where everyone else is - especially for late night pj parties!

Susan,

Is the registration form on the website somewhere? I was quickly glancing around the website the other day and I couldn't find anything about Convention, although I'm sure I wasn't looking in the right spot. Can you point me in the right direction please? Thanks!

As crazy as this sounds, but I really really looked forward to the meals. Why? Because IHQ and the planning committee do the meals in red, buff, and green! I have to admit, the hotels really did a great job with the rates in Atlanta. For an awesome hotel like that, I was surprised as to how reasonable it was, considering the kind of hotel Marriott was! You don't get that kind of rates here in Hawaii!!!

Maybe some of us GCers could room together? I know I don't know of anyone planning on attending other than you guys, YET!

Tee hee! When I went to Convention in Scottsdale, I took pictures of all my meals because they looked so artistic! I should see if I can dig up a picture of the dessert from Feast of Roses and scan it in so you all can get an idea of what we're talking about, lol.

I can't wait for Chicago! Its going to be phenomenal! :D

That's what I'm saying!!! Let's get everyone together and make reservations now! Because, dammit, I WILL get there! :D

In response to Sandy's post...Red buff and green meals? Are you serious??? That's freaking hilarious. At least we're not, like, Kappa Kappa Gamma. Do you know hard it would be to make meals in shades of blue? LOL

The registration form won't be out until probably early 2004. And usually they book two people to a room, unless you want to pay more for a single. You can either request a roomie or leave it up to the luck of the draw - and they will put alumnae with other alumnae! Can't remember if they will allow more than two to a room - I'd have to dig up an old registration form.

The red, buff, and green meals are beautiful and very creative! Then again, so are all of the decorations!

Well looking online, if you put 4 people to a room for that amount of time you can get it for $180 per person total- so maybe that is cheaper!

Maria, in Atlanta I took pictures of all the cheesecake we had for dessert. Even to this day, I'll still take pictures of desserts at any AGD event. Those desserts were pure works of art!!!

I can't remember if they allow more than 2 to a room. The rooms are spacious enough to fit 4 to a room, but I don't know. My chapter sisters and alumnae wanted to room with each other, so we just put a bunch of different names down, I ended up rooming with my pledge sister!

It's going to be soooo much fun!

Just saw in the Quarterly (for those of you still waiting for yours to arrive) that information on Convention registration will be in the Summer edition of the Quarterly. So only 3 or so months to wait!!!

heck yah!!!! i think the only GCer i've met is you but i really wanna meet everybody else, plus i'm not sure how many people from my chapter that i know would be going...

marissa


edited to add - AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH - i just got ahold of my big today and she's coming from another state to my wedding this saturday AND she wants to go to convention!!!!!